“We are grateful for Jim’s committed service to the company over the past 12 years and wish him well in the next phase of his career,” said Lisa Harper, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hot Topic, Inc.

“George has been an invaluable strategic partner since I joined the company in 2011, and has been instrumental in driving the company’s margin improvement initiatives,” said Harper. “His deep financial knowledge and expertise and passion for the business have contributed to a smooth turnaround of Hot Topic, Inc. I have confidence in George’s leadership as the Interim Chief Financial Officer and I look forward to his contributions as we move forward.”

Mr. Wehlitz joined Hot Topic, Inc. in 2008 as VP, Finance. From November, 2005 to January, 2008, he was Chief Financial Officer at Cycle Gear, Inc., a specialty retailer of motorcycle apparel and accessories. Mr. Wehlitz joined Hot Topic, Inc. in February, 2002 as Vice President, Controller, and then served as Vice President, Finance from August, 2003 to November, 2005. Previously, from August, 2000 to February, 2002, Mr. Wehlitz was Chief Financial Officer at The Popcorn Factory, a gourmet popcorn gifts catalog company. From 1987 to 2000, Mr. Wehlitz held various financial-related positions, at the divisional and corporate level, for The Bombay Company, Inc. He holds a B.A. degree in Accounting from Texas Christian University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

About Hot Topic, Inc.

Hot Topic, Inc. is a mall- and web-based specialty retailer operating the Hot Topic and Torrid concepts, as well as a new test retail concept, Blackheart. Hot Topic offers music/pop culture-licensed and music/pop culture-influenced apparel, accessories, music and gift items for young men and women. Torrid retails on-trend fashion apparel, lingerie and accessories inspired by and designed to fit the young, voluptuous woman who wears size 12 and up. Blackheart offers an expanded collection of dark, edgy, sexy lingerie, accessories and beauty products. As of December 29, 2012, the company operated 619 Hot Topic stores in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Canada, 190 Torrid stores, 5 Blackheart stores, and Internet stores hottopic.com, torrid.com and blackheartlingerie.com.